Week of September 29
Upcoming Dates:
October 3: Run Prize Day
October 8-9: Parent Teacher Conferences (details from your student's teacher)
October 13-17: Fall Break
Important Information:
Homework Bags/ Book Baggies are going home each week. Please take care of these and return them to school every day. You will find your child's Clever Badge on his/her book baggie (Trujillo and Shoemaker) or Take Home Folder (Youngberg). Please make sure to send your students book back to school each day.
Specials:
Mrs. Shoemaker: Art
Mrs. Trujillo: Music
Ms. Youngberg: Spanish
Homework:
i-Ready: In 1st grade we ask that your student work on 1 i-Ready reading and 1 i-Ready math lesson 4 nights a week. Last week I attached your child's clever badge to their book bag and you can scan that to login in. Each of the lessons will be at your student’s own level so please have them try their best to work through them independently. To find more help on getting to Clever go to Resources->I-Ready
Sight Words: These are in your students book bags. Please practice these words each night.
Just Right Books: Your child should be reading through their book from their book baggie each night.
September Reading Log: After reading for 15 minutes a night have your student color in a leaf. On September 30th sign the sheet and send it back with your student.
Literacy:
UFLI Phonics: Lesson 43 & 44- Our first spelling pattern will focus on short vowels followed by double l; words like in “call, small, doll, troll, and pull” . The second spelling pattern will be the -ck rule: examples are “deck, trick, hack, puck, and block.”
Benchmark Readers Workshop: Unit 2 Week 2: In our second unit students will be introduced to the topic of characters in a story. They will be reminded that characters are the people and animals in the stories they read and hear. Students will meet and talk about many different kinds of characters in various stories over the next few weeks .
Math:
Ready Math: Lesson 5: We will start lesson 5 in this lesson, students will understand and solve addition and subtraction word problems up to 10.
IB:
Sharing the Planet - We are learning about animals and their offspring, how they are similar and different. We will also learn about plants and animals and their external features that help them to survive.
This is an exciting planner to learn all about living things and our responsibility to protect animals and our Earth.
You can take Action:
Take a trip to your local library and check out some non-fiction animal books. Have those dinner conversations about how we can protect wildlife.
School-wide I.B. Learner Profile of the month:
Balanced is our IB attribute for the month of September.
REMEMBER:
These students understand the importance of balancing different aspects of their lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for themselves and others. They recognize their interdependence with other people and within the world in which they live.
*Be on the look-out all September long for outstanding examples of the IB PYP Learner Profile Trait*
Picture Books about Being Well-Balanced and Harmonious
Balanced is our IB attribute for the month of October.
REMEMBER:
These students show empathy, compassion, and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service and act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and to the environment.
Ways to develop caring students at home:
Model the caring behavior you would like to see in your child all the time. Your child has big eyes and ears and notices everything you do. Using kind words, helping people without being asked, and being an active listener all show your child that you care about people. Even a simple thing, like holding a door for someone, shows your child that you are aware of others around you and want to help them.
Think about how your family can get involved with community organizations.
*Be on the look-out all October long for outstanding examples of the IB PYP Learner Profile Trait*
Week of September 22
Upcoming Dates:
September 22: Teacher work day (no school)
September 26: Run Donations are due
October 3: Run Prize Day
October 6-10: Anti-Bullying Week
October 7: PTO Meeting 6pm (Library)
October 8-9: Parent Teacher Conferences (details to follow)
October 13-17: Fall Break
Important Information:
Homework Bags/ Book Baggies are going home each week. Please take care of these and return them to school every day. You will find your child's Clever Badge on his/her book baggie (Trujillo and Shoemaker) or Take Home Folder (Youngberg).
Specials:
Mrs. Shoemaker: Music
Mrs. Trujillo: Spanish
Ms. Youngberg: Art
Homework:
i-Ready: In 1st grade we ask that your student work on 1 i-Ready reading and 1 i-Ready math lesson 4 nights a week. Last week I attached your child's clever badge to their book bag and you can scan that to login in. Each of the lessons will be at your student’s own level so please have them try their best to work through them independently. To find more help on getting to Clever go to Resources->I-Ready
Sight Words: These are in your students book bags. Please practice these words no more than 3-5 minutes each night.
Just Right Books: Your child should be reading through their book from their book baggie each night.
September Reading Log: After reading for 15 minutes a night, have your student color in a leaf. On September 30th sign the sheet and send it back with your student.
Literacy:
UFLI: Lesson 41 & 42- Our first spelling pattern will focus on short vowel review; Consonant Vowel Consonant (CVC) words like in “cat, hen, rut, bit, and lot” . The second spelling pattern will be the F,L,S,Z rule: examples are “buzz, will, pass, and stuff.”
Benchmark Readers Workshop: Unit 2 Week 1: In our second unit students will be introduced to the topic of characters in a story. They will be reminded that characters are the people and animals in the stories they read and hear. Students will meet and talk about many different kinds of characters in various stories over the next few weeks.
.
Math:
Ready Math: Lesson 4 & 5: We will have our quiz for lesson 4 and then start lesson 5. In lesson 5, students will understand and solve addition and subtraction word problems up to 10.
IB:
Where We Are in Place and Time - We are learning about what it means to be a responsible citizen. Have those dinner conversations about what good citizens do.
School-wide I.B. Learner Profile of the month:
Balanced is our IB attribute for the month of September.
These students understand the importance of balancing different aspects of their lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for themselves and others. They recognize their interdependence with other people and within the world in which they live.
*Be on the look-out all September long for outstanding examples of the IB PYP Learner Profile Trait*
Picture Books about Being Well-Balanced and Harmonious
Week of September 15
Upcoming Dates:
September 19: Rock Ridge Run (teachers will give shirts out on Friday)
September 22: Teacher work day (no school)
October 8 & 9: Parent Teacher Conferences (details to follow)
September 26: Rock Ridge Run Donations Due
Important Information:
Homework Bags/ Book Baggies are going home this week. Please take care of these and return them to school every day. You will find your child's Clever Badge on his/her book baggie (Trujillo and Shoemaker) or Take Home Folder (Youngberg).
Specials:
Mrs. Shoemaker: Spanish
Mrs. Trujillo: Art
Ms. Youngberg: Music
Homework:
i-Ready: In 1st grade we ask that your student work on 1 i-Ready reading and 1 i-Ready math lesson 4 nights a week. Last week I attached your child's clever badge to their book bag and you can scan that to login in. Each of the lessons will be at your student’s own level so please have them try their best to work through them independently. To find more help on getting to Clever go to Resources->I-Ready
September Reading Log: For every 15 minutes your student reads they should color in 1 . On September 30 please send it back signed to school with your student.
Literacy:
UFLI: Lesson 39 & 40- Our first spelling pattern will focus on short u; Consonant Vowel Consonant (CVC) words like in “cut, hub, and bus” . The second spelling pattern will be short e: Consonant Vowel Consonant (CVC) words like “leg, bet, and hen.”
Benchmark Readers Workshop: Unit 1 Week 3- In our first unit we will be learning all about living things and how they change and grow.
Math:
Ready: Lesson 3/4: We will have the quiz for Lesson 3 this week, then we will begin Lesson 4. In Lesson 4, students will use known addition problems to help them subtract.
IB:
Where We Are in Place and Time - We are learning about what it means to be a responsible citizen. Have those dinner conversations about what good citizens do.
School-wide I.B. Learner Profile of the month:
Balanced is our IB attribute for the month
of September.
REMEMBER:
These students understand the importance of balancing different aspects of their lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for themselves and others. They recognize their interdependence with other people and within the world in which they live.
*Be on the look-out all September long for outstanding examples of the IB PYP Learner Profile Trait*
Picture Books about Being Well-Balanced and Harmonious
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
Hispanic Heritage Month in 2025 runs from September 15 to October 15, with the theme "Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future". For elementary students, you can honor this month by exploring the rich histories and cultures of people from Spain, Central America, South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean through age-appropriate activities, focusing on contributions to art, music, science, and community.
Book List:
"Abuela" by Arthur Dorros
A sweet story about a girl and her grandmother exploring New York City while sharing Spanish words and cultural moments."My Name is Celia / Me llamo Celia" by Monica Brown
A bilingual biography of the famous Cuban-American singer Celia Cruz, celebrating her life and music."Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story" by Kevin Noble Maillard
Though focused on Native American heritage, it’s a great multicultural read connecting food and tradition relevant to many Hispanic communities too."Waiting for the Biblioburro" by Monica Brown
A story inspired by the real-life librarian who brings books to rural Colombian children on donkeys."Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match / Marisol McDonald no combina" by Monica Brown
Celebrates cultural identity and diversity through a spirited Peruvian-American girl."César: ¡Sí, Se Puede! Yes, We Can!" by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand
A poetic biography of labor leader César Chávez, emphasizing perseverance and justice."Just Ask!: Be Different, Be Brave, Be You" by Sonia Sotomayor
Written by the Supreme Court Justice, this book encourages children to embrace differences and ask questions."Round Is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes" by Roseanne Greenfield Thong
A colorful introduction to shapes through Latino culture and food.
Source
What it offers / Why it’s useful
National Museum of the American Latino – Hispanic Heritage Month Resources
Virtual exhibits, bilingual materials, stories of Latino achievement, background info, and classroom‐friendly guides. (National Museum of the American Latino)
MAEC, Inc. – Hispanic Heritage Month Resources
A curated collection of books, videos, lesson plans and family/student‐friendly materials. (MAEC)
We Are Teachers – 24 Fun Activities To Honor Hispanic Heritage Month
Printables, crafts, cooking, country studies, music/art ideas. Good for K‐5. (We Are Teachers)
Flocabulary – Activities and lessons to celebrate in the classroom
Videos + lessons about individual figures, traditions, music, arts. Engaging multimedia. (The Flocabulary Blog)
Education Northwest – Latinx Heritage Month Teaching Resources to Use All Year Long
Lessons that are usable year‐round, not just during the Month; includes art, literature, history, civil rights. (Education Northwest)
Waterford – 15 Classroom Activities, Books, and Historical Figures
Good mix of book suggestions, craft ideas, historical figures to spotlight, bite‐size daily lessons. (Waterford.org)
Week of September 8
Upcoming Dates:
September 9: 👟Rock Ridge Run Kickoff
September 19: 👟Rock Ridge Run
September 22: Teacher work day (no school)
Important Information:
Each day your student will bring home a take home folder. It will have important information as well as classwork. Please make sure to check the folder each day and return it each morning to school.
Specials:
Mrs. Shoemaker: Art
Mrs. Trujillo: Music
Ms. Youngberg: Spanish
Homework:
September Reading Log: After reading for 15 minutes a night have your student color in a leaf. On September 30th sign the sheet and send it back with your student.
Literacy:
UFLI: Lesson 36 & 37- Our first spelling pattern will be short i: Consonant Vowel Consonant (CVC) words like “sip, lip, and hit.” Our second spelling pattern will focus on short o; Consonant Vowel Consonant (CVC) words like in “hop”, “lot” and “dot”. Here is the link to the UFLI Parent Resource Hub if you would like more information on how to help your child with reading.
Benchmark Readers Workshop: Unit 1 Week 2- In our first unit we will be learning all about living things and how they change and grow.
Math:
iReady: Lesson 2 & 3: We will finish lesson 2 and take our quiz at the beginning of the week and start Unit 1 lesson 3 after. Students will count on to add and count back to subtract.
IB:
Where We Are in Place and Time - We are learning about what it means to be a responsible citizen. Have those dinner conversations about what good citizens do.
School-wide I.B. Learner Profile of the month:
Balanced is our IB attribute for the month of September.
REMEMBER:
These students understand the importance of balancing different aspects of their lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for themselves and others. They recognize their interdependence with other people and within the world in which they live.
*Be on the look-out all September long for outstanding examples of the IB PYP Learner Profile Trait*
Picture Books about Being Well-Balanced and Harmonious
Week of September 1
Upcoming Dates:
September 1: Labor Day (no school)
September 19: Rock Ridge Run
Important Information:
Birthday Treat Policy:
Rock Ridge Elementary Birthday Treat Policy
Due to the high number of students with severe food allergies and special dietary concerns and Rock Ridge’s emphasis on health and wellness, birthday celebrations may not include food. Please save birthday cakes and cupcakes for your home celebration.
We realize many parents like to do something special in school for their child’s birthday. We’d like to suggest you consider donating a small gift to your child’s classroom. This donation from your child might be an educational game, a book for the class library, a ball to be used on the playground, or a pencil for each student in the room. Classroom teachers also have a variety of activities for birthday celebrations designed to make birthday children feel special.
Another option is to donate a book to the library. Rock Ridge will place inside the book a recognition note of who donated the book and the date. Check with Laura Keller lkeller@dcsdk12.org more details.
All birthdays will be announced daily. In addition, children will receive a birthday gift from the office.
Also, if your child has a summer birthday, we will celebrate it sometime in May. Please DO NOT send birthday invitations to school with your child. This often causes hurt feelings if not all students are invited.
i-Ready Diagnostic: We will continue our beginning of year I-Ready Diagnostics. Please ensure that your student is on time for school, well rested, and has had a good breakfast. If your child does not have a pair of headphones at school, please send them with your student on Monday as they will need them for the diagnostic.
Specials:
Mrs. Shoemaker: Music
Mrs. Trujillo: Spanish
Ms. Youngberg: Art
Homework:
September Reading Log: For every 15 minutes your student reads they should color in 1 . On September 30 please send it back signed to school with your student.
Literacy:
UFLI: Lesson 35 and 36- Our first spelling pattern will focus on short a; Consonant Vowel Consonant (CVC) words like in “cap”, “man” and “sat”. The second spelling pattern will be short i: Consonant Vowel Consonant (CVC) words like “sip, lip, and hit.”
Benchmark Readers Workshop: Unit 1 Week 1- In our first unit we will be learning all about living things and how they change and grow.
Math:
iReady: Lesson 2: This week students will be working on Unit 1 lesson 2. Students will solve word problems that involve adding or subtracting numbers up to 10 to solve word problems
IB:
Where We Are in Place and Time - We are learning about what it means to be a responsible citizen. Have those dinner conversations about what good citizens do.
School-wide I.B. Learner Profile of the month:
Balanced is our IB attribute for the month of September.
BALANCED is our IB Learner Attribute for the month of September.
REMEMBER:
These students understand the importance of balancing different aspects of their lives—intellectual, physical, and emotional—to achieve well-being for themselves and others. They recognize their interdependence with other people and within the world in which they live.
*Be on the look-out all September long for outstanding examples of the IB PYP Learner Profile Trait*
Picture Books about Being Well-Balanced and Harmonious
Week of August 25
Take Home Folder:
Each day your student will bring home a take home folder. It will have important information as well as classwork. Please make sure to check the folder each day and return it each morning to school.
Breakfast:
If your student is getting breakfast please take them to the cafeteria/recess doors and drop them off. Students will not be sent to the cafeteria from the classroom.
Important Information:
i-Ready Diagnostic: Our beginning of year i-Ready diagnostic will start on Tuesday, August 26. Please ensure that your student is on time for school, well rested, and has had a good breakfast. If your child does not have a pair of headphones at school please send them with your student on Monday as they will need them for the diagnostic.
Upcoming Dates:
August 26: Hearing and Vision
August 27: Picture Day
August 29: National College Colors Day
September 1: Labor Day (No School)
September 19: RRE Run
September 22: No School (PD Day)
Specials:
Mrs. Shoemaker: Spanish
Mrs. Trujillo: Art
Ms. Youngberg: Music
Homework:
August Reading Log: For every 15 minutes your student reads they should color in 1 apple. On August 30 please send it signed, back to school with your student.
Literacy:
Phonics: UFLI Launch
Benchmark Readers Workshop: Launch
Math:
iReady: Lesson 1: Number Partners for 10. Identify number partners for 10. Find the missing number partners for 10 and connect equations to models of number partners for 10.
IB:
Where We Are in Place and Time - We are learning about what it means to be a responsible citizen. Have those dinner conversations about what good citizens do.
Week of August 18
Upcoming Dates:
August 18-22: No Bus
August 19: PTO Meeting (In library 6-7)
August 21: Back to School BBQ (5:00-7:00)
August 22: All About Me Bags Due
August 26: Hearing and Vision Screening
August 27: Picture Day
Homework:
All About Me Bags-This information is coming home in your students take home folder. Please send it back to school next Friday.
Specials:
Mrs. Shoemaker: Art
Mrs. Trujillo: Music
Mrs. Youngberg: Spanish
Literacy:
Phonics: UFLI Launch
Benchmark Readers Workshop: Launch
Math:
iReady: Launch
IB:
Where We Are in Place and Time - We are learning about what it means to be a responsible citizen. Have those dinner conversations about what good citizens do.
